Des Moines, Iowa: Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop
Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop in Des Moines is an iconic Iowan restaurant serving what is arguably the most Iowan dish out there—the pork tenderloin. Established in 1952, Smitty’s has all the vibes of the 1950s (minus the prices). We enjoyed out time at Smitty’s, and here’s what you need to know about the little shop before you go to visit.
Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop Exterior
About Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop
According to the Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop website, the shop has been in the Des Moines area since the 50s, with a few changes of ownership and management morphing the business into what it is today. Though the shop has changed over the decades, management is still committed to making the tenderloins and onion rings fresh every morning. Smitty’s has been voted the best tenderloin in Des Moines for several years, and has served the original King Tenderloin since 1952.
Smitty’s Indoor Menu
Is Smitty’s Tenderloins Shop any good?
We got to Smitty’s right on time, grabbing the last available table in the middle of the shop. Surrounded on all sides by other diners, it wasn’t the most comfortable seating arrangement, but we were ready to make due for some good food.
Our server was beyond friendly and made us feel right at home. The menu was simple and straightforward, and we knew we had to go for the tenderloin.
King-Sized Tenderloin
The Kind-Sized Tenderloin certainly lived up to its name. We got it with all the fixings. The tenderloin itself was crispy and fresh, but we felt it needed a little salt to bring out the flavor. If you’re a fan of tenderloins, you know part of the appeal is how the patty dwarfs the bun, and this tenderloin certainly accomplishes that feat.
I wouldn’t call myself a tenderloin expert by any means, but we both felt this one needed a little more flavor to hit the mark. I used to work at a diner in Cedar Rapids, and the cook there added ranch flavoring to the batter, which gave it a little something special. I don’t know how Smitty’s breads their tenderloins (as that’s probably not a secret they want to share) but it felt kind of devoid of seasoning.
Despite winning best tenderloin in previous years, and being named Iowa’s best sandwich in 2019, you won’t find Smitty’s on the Des Moines Register’s list of the best tenderloins in Iowa, and it was actually Cliff’s Place in Manning, Iowa that won Iowa’s Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin in 2023.
Fried Cheese Curds
The fried cheese curds at Smitty’s were exactly what you expect from this side dish—crispy, hot, and salty, with a cool cup of ranch for dipping. We agreed that the cheese curds almost outdid the sandwich itself.
You can also find a variety of ice creams and milkshakes at Smitty’s, but we didn’t have the chance to try any.
What to know before visiting Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop
At Postcards and Pins, we understand the awkward traveler, because that’s us. We always try to compile some information to understand before visiting each location. These are some things to keep in mind about Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop:
Consider eating to-go. Smitty’s is not a very big place, and you may find yourself feeling crowded or uncomfortable if you don’t like eating in close quarters. Consider taking your food to go and eating at a nearby picnic table or local park instead.
One tenderloin feeds multiple people. If it’s just you and a friend, a King Tenderloin is likely enough for both of you! You can also ask for an extra bun if you want to cut the patty and make two sandwiches.
Go during the week. Smitty’s is a local hotspot, and something distinctly Iowan, so it’s not surprising that people flock to try it out. Going during the week may mean a slower shop than on the weekends.
Final thoughts on Smitty’s Tenderloin Shop
Smitty’s may not be the champion of tenderloin sandwiches any more, but there’s still something to be said about the shop’s vibes. You can visit for the sandwich, to see for yourself how it holds up, or just come for the 50s aesthetic and lively pace inside the shop.
While we didn’t absolutely love our tenderloin, we may just make our way back to Smitty’s to try it again and test out the ice cream and malts.
